Dining hall center
He also said that the Qdoba would be the first to be featured on a college campus as part of a student meal plan.
“Qdoba is very excited for this contract,” Johnson said. “They usually like to be really close to a college campus, but for us to be able to get them on campus is very exciting.”
Johnson said students have been “very helpful” with the design process since its conception. A student advisory committee has worked with architects and designers for the past few years. Two years ago, the SGA passed a “fully supportive” resolution in favor of the building, Johnson said.
The student body in general also seems to support the idea of a dining hall on the academic side of campus.
“I think it’s a good idea because I really, really don’t like walking across the Drillfield when it’s freezing outside to go eat,” said chemical engineering major Christy Mays. “It will be nice to just stay over there and maybe get work done, but also just have fun and not be hungry.”
Biology majors like sophomore Parastou Modjarrad will be able to use the building because of its proximity to many science buildings.
“Putting a dining hall there is a really good idea since there are mostly science classes across campus,” Modjarrad said.
The third floor of the building will feature six multi-purpose classrooms that Johnson described as medium size, able to seat between 50 and 75 students. The office for Services for Students with Disabilities will also find a new home on the third floor of the building.
The building is being designed according to sustainability guidelines governed by LEED. A resolution passed by the Board of Visitors in June 2009 states that all new buildings constructed on campus will be up to the standards of at least a “silver” LEED rating.
“We are absolutely committed to reducing the carbon footprint on campus,” Wilson said.
Contracts with branded food companies Jamba Juice and Qdoba are being finalized, Johnson said. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year.
The building is expected to be open to the public in August 2012.
staff writers claire sanderson and jen dawood contributed to this story
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This is a great step forward to make food during classes much easier. Right now you can draw a straight line between squires and west end that's 95% of all the food places on campus. The description sounds great and will provide a much needed place to eat.
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they might want to add more room to the cadet dining area if the corp is going to continue to eat together.
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The number of students on the dining plan (18,000) is amazing. I don't know why other universities don't follow the VT dining program. When I was at VT the food was terrible, now it is award winning. I wish my daughter at NC State had the same dining options as her brother at VT. They should market this program.
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I think this idea is respectable, however, the fact that the classes of 2010 and 2011 are already overwhelmed with construction across campus. The construction plans need to slow down, so the class es that are here can have a more enjoyable academic experience. I'm beyond frustrated with this campus and it's need for "expansion" when we don't have the space. This is a great idea, but better founded when the engineering building/parking garage/library cafe/etc buildings are finished. VT is making my academic experience a terrible one.
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This is terrible. More construction??? Please no. Is this idea finalized?
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I sure wish I would be here for this. This is one of the better ideas I have heard in a long time.
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